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What about the dirty, ugly, stinky houses?

By Erin Blaise

Real Estate Agent with Re/Max Boone Realty

November 30, 2007 07:17 AM

I was contacted by a reporter about a house I advertized and sold that was a major fixer upper. I told the truth about the condtion in the advertizing because I was looking for a buyer that wanted a project. This situation ended up causing an uproar because our Board of Realtors thought I was doing a disservice to my client by my comments on the listing. I was able to list the property the way I wanted to because the seller was in agreement with me. I'm wondering what other Realtors out there are doing. What do you all do when you have a listing that needs major help?

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Randy "Lazarus" McAtee

Lazarus Realty - Fresno, CA

Owner/Broker, Lazarus Realty, Fresno California

just tell it like it is!

and if they're vacant with grafitti: ENTER WITH CAUTION! (me, I enter with a loaded gun)

Nov 30, 2007 07:26 AM

Armando Rodriguez

QUEST REALTY SERVICES - Orlando, FL

Orlando Homes 4 Sale, Real Estate Broker-GRI

I agree with Randy, be honest, tell it like it is and you can't go wrong! just get it okayed by your client first. You know CYA!

Nov 30, 2007 07:34 AM

Don Stern

Realty Executives South Louisiana - Baton Rouge, LA

Greater Baton Rouge Real Estate

On the surface, it sounds like you did the right thing and disclosed the condition of the property. It also sounds like someone in your Board has all together too much time on their hands.

Nov 30, 2007 07:34 AM

Chris Fisher

Your Virtual Assistant - Concord, CA

I think you just have to be honest in the kindest way you can find. Nobody wants to hear that their house sucks! But they do have to know what to do to sell it.

Nov 30, 2007 07:35 AM

Christi Stewart

Prudential California Realty - Laguna Niguel, CA

Prudential Calif. Realty

Honesty is the best policy. So is Disclose, disclose, disclose. As long as your client was ok with it then I think you did the right thing.

Nov 30, 2007 07:36 AM

John Karadsheh

KOR Properties - Mesa, AZ

ABR, CRS - REALTOR - Mesa, Arizona - Las Sendas

In my experience, there is a huge market for fix and flips and if they aren't advertised as such then you only let down buyers who think that it is in pristine condition. You need to know your market and advertise accordingly!

Nov 30, 2007 07:41 AM

Linda Sanderson

Coldwell Banker Solano Pacific - Benicia, CA

I agree, you have to tell it like it is. It helps to put a positive spin on it, but I wouldn't try to sugarcoat something that needed a lot of work. As long as the seller is in agreement, you are doing it right.

Nov 30, 2007 07:42 AM

Judi Glamb

Coldwell Banker Hearthside - Hellertown, PA

Associate Broker, ABR

Each situation is different and being direct about the condition may be the best way to find an interested buyer. If you have the sellers approval then there should be no problem what so ever. If you are clever, you can be direct and interesting.

In reviewing one of my previous listings, I realized I made it sound too good. I did not lie or fabricate but for many buyers it was just too much work (sound house but needed cosmetic and functional work).

Nov 30, 2007 07:43 AM

Ron Parise

LocateHomes.com - Cape Coral, FL

There is a whole group of buyers that want fixer-uppers, they want a project. If we dont tell the truth in our advertising we will miss those buyers and the folks that do rsspond to a sugar-coated ad wont buy the property when they see it.

Nov 30, 2007 07:43 AM

Kevin McGrath

Long & Foster Real Estate Companies- Fredericksburg/Spotsylvania - Fredericksburg, VA

Long & Foster Real Estate Companies

I'm confused, but that is nothing new. You listed it honestly, and it sold. Where is the diservice to your client part?

Nov 30, 2007 08:48 AM

Cathy & Gary Elmore

Coldwell Banker Tomlinson N - Deer Park, WA

I think you actually represented your seller in the proper way. House needed major work? Then market it that way, There are buyers out there looking exactly for what you listed...correctly. Keep up the good work.

Nov 30, 2007 08:57 AM

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